For the Love of Reading: April 2025

I read 5 books in April, a slow month of reading for me. Here are my reviews:

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
It’s always so disappointing when a book has a great premise and then falls flat and that is the case for my experience with this one. Based on the cover and the blurb I was expecting a light and compelling read with quirky characters experiencing a mid-life reset. Instead I found wholly unlikable characters in a relationship that never felt real or authentic. The story dragged to the point where I skimmed the 2nd half of the book just to get to the ending. This one was not for me.

That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Amanda Jones became the victim of social media attacks when she stood up and defended her local library’s book collection at a public meeting. What happened to her is horrifying and infuriating and the way she suffered as a result of the lies and defilement on her character is heartbreaking. On the surface it may seem that this memoir would only be of interest to librarians but it’s truly a cautionary tale of how to steel yourself against lies and attacks from the alt far right. Definitely recommended.

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a music centered story with varying points of view and a plot that really kept things moving forward. It includes everything I enjoy about Jennifer Weiner’s writing—funny, heartfelt, and full of complicated, lovable characters. Themes relating to the bonds of sisterhood and how the past shapes who we become are emotional without being heavy and the ending is perfectly satisfying. A perfect comfort read with real depth. Highly recommend. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have read a fair amount of criticism of this latest Three Pines book but, for me at least, Louise Penny still hits the mark. The genre feels more espionage than cozy mystery but the characters of Gamache and Reine Marie, Jean Guy and Isabelle feel like old friends that are telling me a story of their latest adventures. It did take me a while to really get into this one but once I hit the halfway point I found it to be very compelling and I raced to the finish. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series, The Black Wolf.

The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The New York Times review of this book is titled, “She remembers everything. Except what happened to her yesterday” and that perfectly describes the story of Jane O. The book is well paced and engrossing and held my attention throughout as I raced to the finish to understand the reasons behind Jane’s fugue states and disappearances. Walker does a great job intertwining psychological and speculative elements and had me considering many explanations for Jane’s behavior, from the clinical to the supernatural. While I do think there could have been more character development, I am comfortable recommending this for readers interested in psychological mysteries that challenge perceptions of reality and delve into the intricacies of the human psyche.

There were a couple of clunkers in there but also some truly good ones. And, I’m happy to report, my May reading is always off to a terrific start.